• Ivanhoe Mines suspends operations at Kakula mine in eastern DRC after seismic activity

• Phase 1 and 2 concentrators continue at reduced capacity using surface ore

• Annual copper production target of 520,000–580,000 tons remains unchanged

Ivanhoe Mines has announced a temporary suspension of operations at its underground Kakula mine, part of the Kamoa-Kakula copper complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The shutdown followed seismic activity detected in the eastern zone of the mine on May 18. All personnel were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.

Despite the partial suspension, Ivanhoe continues to operate its phase 1 and 2 concentrators at reduced capacity by processing surface ore stocks. As of April 30, the company had 3.8 million tons of surface ore with an average copper grade of 3.2%. Meanwhile, the phase 3 concentrator and the adjacent Kamoa underground mine remain fully operational.

Geotechnical teams are currently inspecting the affected area. The western section of the Kakula mine has already been declared safe, but assessments continue in the eastern part. The company has not yet provided a date for full operational resumption.

Importantly, Ivanhoe has not revised its copper production forecast for 2025. The company still expects to produce between 520,000 and 580,000 tons of copper from the Kamoa-Kakula complex this year. The actual impact will depend on how long the Kakula mine remains offline.

Kamoa-Kakula is the largest copper mining operation in the DRC and a critical asset in Ivanhoe’s global production portfolio.